Strictly's Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis issue BBC update after health absence

Strictly Come Dancing stars Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis issued a joint statement after being forced to miss last Saturday's (October 11) live show. The pair returned to Instagram on Tuesday (October 14) and confirmed they would make their comeback to the dancefloor after the Neighbours legend was advised to rest on doctor's orders due to illness. Dianne and Stefan took to Instagram with a video message for fans captioned: "Team Oz are back."

As Dianne smiled sweetly, the actor stated: "We just want to say thank you to everybody out there who's been supporting us, you've just been absolutely brilliant, so what can we say, thanks a lot." Issuing a major update, the pro continued: "Finally back in the training room and we haven't stopped." Reflecting on their seemingly gruelling week, she added: "Guys, we really haven't stopped hence why we've done no social content." The duo then introduced part two of their fun Australian word challenge.

This post sparked major anticipation and elation among viewers who took to the comments with excitement. One gushed: "So here for thiiisss welcome backkkk!! Can't wait for this weeks Charleston. I think it's gonna be 'bonza.'"

A second echoed: "So happy. Cannot wait for your Charleston this week." "Can't wait to see you back on the dance floor on Saturday. Missed you this week," said a third.

As their Strictly co-star Nancy Xu exclaimed: "LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO!" alongside an array of starry-eyed emojis. In a previous clip, the pair confirmed: "We might just be doing the Charleston!" Stefan replied: "I can finally use my basketball hand!"

This is a welcome return for the beloved duo after Strictly's official Instagram page posted a message last week confirming that Stefan would not be able to perform and that he and Dianne would be going straight through to the following week of the BBC competition.

The message said: "Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend. In line with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be able to dance again."

The show added in the caption: "We wish him a speedy recovery and will hopefully see him back in the ballroom with Dianne next week."

During Sunday's result show, ITV's Hollywood reporter Ross King was voted off and became the second star to be eliminated from Strictly after a tense dance-off against Eastenders actor Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon, following their Movie Week performances.